US Bridges

Downer Place over Fox River E. Branch

Fair

Kane County, Illinois · 400 Ft W Ill RTE 25 · Structure no. 045600500000000

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
171 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,550
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Downer Place over Fox River E. Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Downer Place over Fox River E. Branch in Kane County, Illinois. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 101 years old, older than the Illinois average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 3,550 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,307 by 2046. The structure is 171 ft (52.2 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDowner Place
CrossesFox River E. Branch
Location400 Ft W Ill RTE 25
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKane County
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.75664, -88.31504
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.8 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length171 ft (52.2 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.2 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,550 (2023)
Projected traffic5,307 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Downer Place over Fox River E. Branch built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Downer Place over Fox River E. Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Downer Place over Fox River E. Branch carry?

About 3,550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Downer Place over Fox River E. Branch?

The structure is 171 ft (52.2 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.2 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Downer Place over Fox River E. Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.